Supporting academic excellence

Orillia Campus residence ready for first students
August 27, 2013

The ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the new residence at the Orillia campus of Georgian College Tuesday August 27, 2013From left; Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North; Jill Dunlop, representing Garfield Dunlop, Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North; Gwen Strachan, Chair, Georgian College Board of Governors; Orillia SAC President Scott Anderson; Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes; Mary O’Farrell-Bowers Orillia Campus Principal and Dean; Orillia Mayor Angelo Orsi.

A new home-away-from-home for Georgian College students has now officially opened at the Orillia Campus.

Georgian President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes, together with members of the Georgian College Board of Governors, staff, students and special guests, cut a ribbon on Tuesday, Aug. 27 to mark the opening of the 128-bed residence, located on the grounds of the Orillia Campus.

The first student occupants will move into their new rooms on Sunday, Sept. 1. The opening ceremonies provided an opportunity for invited community members and friends of Georgian College to obtain a first-hand look at the facility.

West-Moynes told the audience that the addition of the residence will help to make the Orillia Campus a complete community.

“Having students living on site will not only make life easier for them, but it will enhance the overall student experience – making an already beautiful campus even more vibrant,” she said. “The Orillia Campus is now more competitive than ever. The wider city of Orillia also stands to benefit. More out-of-town students will have a compelling reason to choose Orillia as a place to live and study.”

Gwen Strachan, Chair of the Georgian College Board of Governors, noted the economic impact that this will have on Orillia and area.

“Students will spend money on groceries, clothing, entertainment and other living expenses. Many, through their academic programs, will also volunteer with numerous Orillia community agencies and organizations,” said Strachan.

Scott Anderson, President of the Orillia Student’s Administrative Council (SAC), said the residence will add much to the academic and social life of the campus.

“Our students have been eagerly awaiting these buildings for many years. Giving students the opportunity to live on campus will certainly enhance their academic experience and will give them a secure place of residence when moving away from home,” said Anderson.

“It will also add a completely different dynamic to the campus, one that I’m sure will be felt by all students. SAC is extremely excited to incorporate these students into our events and programming in the coming year.”

The residence consists of two buildings, each containing 16 four-bedroom suites. Together, the two buildings will provide housing for 128 students. Spaces were first offered to students during Georgian College’s Spring Preview Day in March. All 128 spaces were immediately spoken for and a waiting list was created.

Demand continues to be so strong that plans are already well underway to construct a third building on the site. Scheduled to open in fall 2014, the third building will be of similar design and will provide an additional 64 beds.